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THE GREATNESS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H) [PT. 6]

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You can read part 5 of this series by clicking the link: http://lubnah.me.ke/the-greatness-of-prophet-muhammad-p-b-u-h-pt-5/

DEATH OF THE PROPHET (S.A.W)


Symptoms of Farewell

Months before the prophet peace be upon him passed away, he showed certain symptoms signalling his upcoming death. Allah (S.W) revealed this ayah during the farewell pilgrimage ‘hijjatul wad’a’: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [Al-Qur’an 5:3] which was the signal of the completion of deen and faith and that the prophet’s duty and role on this earth was only a matter of days before it ended too. Some of the symptoms he showed were:

• In Ramadan in the tenth year of Al-Hijra he secluded himself for twenty days for I’tikaf in contrast to the usual last ten days he did in the previous years.

• The angel Jibril reviewed the Qur’ân twice with him instead of once like he would do in previous years.

• His words in the Farewell Pilgrimage (i.e. Al-Wida‘):”I do not know whether I will ever meet you at this place once again after this current year.”

• The revelation of An-Nasr Chapter amid At-Tashreeq Days. So when it was sent down on him, he realized that it was the parting time and that Surah was an announcement of his approaching death.

• On the early days of Safar in the eleventh year of Al-Hijra, the Prophet [pbuh] went out to Uhud and observed a farewell prayer to the martyrs. It looked like saying goodbye to both the dead and the living alike. He then ascended the pulpit and addressed the people saying: “I am to precede you and I have been made witness upon you. By Allâh, you will meet me at the ‘Fountain’ very soon. I have been given the keys of worldly treasures. By Allâh, I do not fear for you that you will turn polytheists after me. But I do fear that acquisition of worldly riches should entice you to strike one another’s neck.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 2/585]

• One day, at midnight he went to Al-Baqee‘ cemetry, and implored Allâh to forgive the martyrs of Islam. He said: “Peace be upon you tomb-dwellers! May that morning that dawns upon you be more relieving than that which dawn upon the living. Afflictions are approaching them like cloudy lumps of a dark night — the last of which follows the first. The last one is bearing more evil than the first.” He comforted them saying: “We will follow you.”
Beginning of ailment

On Monday the twenty-ninth of Safar in the eleventh year of Al-Hijra, he participated in funeral rites in Al-Baqee‘. On the way back he had a headache, his temperature rose so high that the heat effect could be felt over his headband. He led the Muslims in prayer for eleven days though he was sick. The total number of his sick days were either thirteen or fourteen.

When his sickness grew severe he asked his wives: “Where shall I stay tomorrow?” “Where shall I stay?” They understood what he wanted. So they allowed him to stay wherever he wished. He moved to ‘Aishah’s room and it was there that he spent the last week of his life. During that period, ‘Aishah used to recite Al-Mu‘awwidhat (Chapters 113 and 114 of the Qur’ân) and other supplications which he had already taught her.

Five days before his death, he made a speech to his people and said amongst other things “The curse of Allâh falls upon the Jews and Christians for they have made their Prophets’ tombs places of worship.” Then he said: “Do not make my tomb a worshipped idol.” He also said:

“Allâh, the Great, has given a slave of His the opportunity to make a choice between whatever he desires of Allâh’s provisions in this world, and what He keeps for him in the world, but he has opted for the latter.” Abu Sa‘îd Al-Khudri said: “Upon hearing that, Abu Bakr cried and said: ‘We sacrifice our fathers and mothers for your sake.’ We wondered why Abu Bakr said such a thing. People said: ‘Look at that old man! The Messenger of Allâh [pbuh] says about a slave of Allâh who was granted the right between the best fortunes of this world and the bounty of Allâh in the Hereafter, but he says: We sacrifice our fathers and mothers for your sake!’ It was later on that we realized what he had aimed at. The Messenger of Allâh [pbuh] was the slave informed to choose. We also acknowledged that Abu Bakr was the most learned among us.” [Mishkat Al-Masabih 2/546]

On the evening of the fourth day before his death, he grew so sick that he could not overcome the strain of disease or go out to enter the Mosque. Whenever he wanted to stand up to go to the masjid, he would faint, over and over again. Eventually he sent that Abu Bakr should lead the prayers. Aishah (peace be upon her) tried to convince the prophet to exempt her father Abubakr from leading the prayers due to his high level of gentleness but he refused and said: “You (women) are like the women who tried to entice Joseph (Yusuf) into immorality. Convey my request to Abu Bakr to lead the prayer.”

The Last Day Alive

In a narration by Anas bin Malik, he said: “While the Muslims were performing the dawn prayer on Monday — led by Abu Bakr, they were surprised to see the Messenger of Allâh [pbuh] raising the curtain of ‘Aishah’s room. He looked at them while they were praying aligned properly and smiled cheerfully. Seeing him, Abu Bakr withdrew to join the lines and give way to him to lead the prayer. For he thought that the Prophet [pbuh] wanted to go out and pray.” Anas said: “The Muslims, who were praying, were so delighted that they were almost too enraptured at their prayers. The Messenger of Allâh [pbuh] made them a gesture to continue their prayer, went into the room and drew down the curtain.”

This was the last prayer witnessed by the prophet peace be upon him. During the day, Muhammad (S.A.W) called for his daughter Fatima. He then whispered something to her in secret and she wept. Then he whispered something else and she smiled. After the prophet’s death Aishah asked her about the strange incident and Fatima replied, “The first time he disclosed to me that he would not recover from his illness and I wept. Then he told me that I would be the first of his family to join him, so I laughed.” He gave Fatimah glad tidings that she would become the lady of all women of the world.

Fatimah witnessed the great pain that afflicted her father. So she said: “What great pain my father is in!”. To these words, the Prophet [pbuh] remarked: “He will not suffer any more when today is over.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 2/641]

The prophet then requested for his grandchildren Al Hasan and Al Husain. He kissed them and recommended that they be looked after. He asked to see his wives. They were brought to him. He preached to them and told them to remember Allâh.

Pain grew so much severe that the trace of poison he had at Khaibar came to light. It was so sore that he said to ‘Aishah: “I still feel the painful effect of that food I tasted at Khaibar. I feel as if death is approaching.” He ordered the people to perform the prayers and be attentive to slaves. He repeated it several times.
His last moments

Aishah (peace be upon her) was blessed to have had the last moments of the prophet with him leaning on her.
She is known to have said: “One of Allâh’s bounties upon me is that the Messenger of Allâh [pbuh] died in my house, while I am still alive. He died between my chest and neck while he was leaning against me. Allâh has mixed his saliva with mine at his death. For ‘Abdur Rahman — the son of Abu Bakr — came in with a Siwak (i.e. the root of a desert plant used for brushing teeth) in his hand, while I was leaning the Messenger of Allâh [pbuh] against me. I noticed that he was looking at the Siwak, so I asked him — for I knew that he wanted it — “Would you like me to take it for you?” He nodded in agreement. I took it and gave it to him. As it was too hard for him, I asked him “Shall I soften it for you?” He nodded in agreement. So I softened it with my saliva and he passed it (on his teeth). In another version it is said: “So he brushed (Istanna) his teeth as nice as he could.” There was a water container (Rakwa) available at his hand with some water in. He put his hand in it and wiped his face with it and said: “There is no god but Allâh. Death is full of agonies.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 2/640]

As soon as he had finished his Siwak brushing, he raised his hand or his finger up, looked upwards to the ceiling and moved his lips. So ‘Aishah listened to him. She heard him say: “With those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace with the Prophets and the Truthful ones (As-Siddeeqeen), the martyrs and the good doers. O Allâh, forgive me and have mercy upon me and join me to the Companionship on high.” Then at intervals he uttered these words: “The most exalted Companionship on high. To Allâh we turn and to Him we turn back for help and last abode.”
This event took place at high morning time on Monday, the twelfth of Rabi‘ Al-Awwal, in the eleventh year of Al-Hijrah. He was sixty-three years and four days old when he died.”

His Burial

There was a lot of confusion and disruption after the prophet’s death. The sahabas were at unrest and were unsure who deserved to take lead after the prophet. With all that arguments and dialogues that were happening between the Ansar and Muhajirun, time went by fast while the prophet’s body was still lying on his bed covered with an inked-garment. He was locked in the room.

Finally they acknowledged Abu Bakr (peace be upon him) as a caliph due to his special status in the prophet’s eyes as well as the fact that the prophet let Abu Bakr lead the prayers during his ailment period (among other reasons). They spent the whole Monday there till it was night and to the next day Tuesday.

On Tuesday, his body was washed with his clothes on. He was washed by Al-‘Abbas, ‘Ali, Al-Fadl and Qathm — the two sons of Al-‘Abbas, as well as Shaqran — the Messenger’s freed slave, Osamah bin Zaid and Aws bin Khauli. Al-‘Abbas, Al-Fadl and Qathm turned his body round, whereas Osamah and Shaqran poured out water. ‘Ali washed him and Aws leant him against his chest. They shrouded him in three white Sahooli cotton cloth which had neither a headcloth nor a casing and inserted him in. A sort of disagreement arose with regard to a burial place.

Abu Bakr said: “I heard the Messenger of Allâh [pbuh] say: ‘A dead Prophet is buried where he dies.’ So Abu Talhah lifted the bed on which he died, dug underneath and cut the ground to make the tomb. People entered the room ten by ten. They prayed for the Prophet [pbuh]. The first to pray for him were people of his clan. Then the Emigrants, then the Helpers. Women prayed for him after men. The young were the last to pray. This process took Tuesday long and Wednesday night (i.e. the night which precedes Wednesday morning). ‘Aishah said: “We did not know that the Prophet [pbuh] was being buried till we heard the sound of tools digging the ground at the depth of Wednesday night.” [source: the sealed nectar. Page:549-561]

We may look in the books of history, we may look at the up-coming legends, we may look around us to find the best role model and the most amazing of mankind, but no one will ever be better than Muhammad (peace be upon him). May Allah guide us and make us amongst those who follow the footsteps of the Rasul and be a positive influence to mankind. Ameen.

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We have now reached the end of our series. I hope and pray that you have gained something from this in shaa Allah. Kindly remember me in your duas 🙂

P.S I am not a scholar and this is my little effort in spreading the knowledge therefore in case of any mistake/correction/addition needed in this article about the prophet (p.b.u.h) and his life, kindly email me at: info@lubnah.me.ke.

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Concerning the fundraising for our sister Nuru Salim, we are currently at 80,000/= However, we have organized an event this Sunday and a food bazaar to make more money for her treatment in shaa Allah. Kindly avail yourself and share with others. Shukran.

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THE GREATNESS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H) [PT. 5]

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You can read part 4 of this series by clicking the link: http://lubnah.me.ke/the-greatness-of-prophet-muhammad-p-b-u-h-pt-4/

 

PROPHET’S LOVE FOR HIS UMMAH

The way the prophet peace be upon him loved his ummah is beyond any kind of human love one may imagine. The prophet was genuinely concerned about his ummah, he prayed for us and loved us even before he met us (the generations after him). Allah (S.W.) had already forgiven him all his mistakes of the past and of the future and if he willed, he would just have enjoyed his life and focused on his close family and friends. But instead, the prophet sought Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness for the many generations to come.

  • A’ishah narrates “Once, when I saw the Prophet in a good mood, I said to him: “O Messenger of Allah! Supplicate to Allah for me!” So, he said: “O Allah! Forgive ‘A’ishah her past sins and her future sins, the sins which she has hidden and the sins which have been made apparent.”
    So I began smiling, to the point that my head fell into the lap of the Messenger of Allah out of joy.
    Messenger of Allah said to me: “Does my supplication make you happy?” I replied: “And how can your supplication not make me happy?” He then said: “By Allah, it is the supplication that I make for my Ummah in every prayer.” [Narrated in Al Bazzaar, Hasan Al-Albani]
  • During one instance, the Messenger (saw) cried. The companions said, “What makes you cry, Oh Messenger of Allah?” He said, “I miss my brothers.” They said: “Are we not your brothers, Oh Messenger of Allah?” He said, “No, you are my Companions. My brothers are those who will come after me and they believe in me without seeing me.” (Ad-Darami, At-Tabaraani, Al-Hakim)
  • The prophet aleyhi ssalam said, “Allah has given one Dua to every single prophet and every single messenger that he has guaranteed that He will respond to. And every single prophet has used up this Dua for himself in this world, except for me. I have saved it and I have not used it and I will not use it in this life. I have kept it for my Ummah and I will use it for them on the day of judgement. And my Dua will be, O Allah, forgive my entire Ummah.” [Sahih Muslim 199]
  • The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “I am like a person who lit a fire and when the surrounding area became bright with light, the moths and insects began to drop in the fire. The person is now trying with all the force at his command to stop these moths and insects from dropping in the fire, but the moths and insects are rushing towards the fire rendering all his efforts ineffective. Likewise, I am trying my best to draw you back and keep you away from the fire, yet you are bent on falling into it.” [Mishkat]
  • Once the Prophet was reciting the Quran and he came across a number of verses. Of them is the famous verse where ProphetIbrahim (A) is making Dua for his people,

“So whoever follows me – then he is of me; and whoever disobeys me – indeed, You are [yet] Forgiving and Merciful.” Quran [14:36]

Here Prophet Ibrahim (A) is asking Allah to forgive those who are not listening to him. Afterwards, the Prophet Muhammad   recites another verse where Prophet Isa (A) is making supplication for his people.

“If You should punish them – indeed they are Your servants; but if You forgive them – indeed it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” Quran [5:118]

In both of these supplications, Prophet Ibrahim (A) and Prophet Isa (A) were asking for mercy and forgiveness for their own people. He, the Prophet Muhammad   then starts thinking about his own people and what will be their fate. He raises his hand and starts saying,

Allahumma Ummati, Allahumma Ummati – O Allah my Ummah, O Allah my Ummah.

He then begins to cry thinking about this Ummah, about us. Allah (S) at this point, told Jibreel to go to the Prophet   and ask him why he is crying (of course Allah knew why). So Jibreel came and asked the Prophet, the Prophet aleyhi ssalam replied,

“I am crying thinking for my Ummah, thinking of what will be their fate.”

So Jibreel went back and Allah said to him,

“O Jibreel, go back to Muhammad and tell him, we are going to please you for your Ummah. And we are not going to cause you any irritation.” [Sahih Muslim]

  • Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, on the day of judgement will intercede for his ummah and request for Allah’s Mercy and forgiveness for his people as narrated in the hadith by Anas ibn Malik (peace be upon him).

It was narrated that Anas ibn Maalik said: Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us: “When the Day of Resurrection comes, the people will surge with each other like waves. They will come to Adam and say, ‘Intercede for us with your Lord.’ He will say, ‘I am not fit for that. Go to Ibraaheem for he is the Close Friend of the Most Merciful.’ So they will go to Ibraaheem, but he will say, ‘I am not fit for that. Go to Moosa for he is the one to whom Allaah spoke directly.’ So they will go to Moosa but he will say, ‘I am not fit for that. Go to ‘Eesa for he is a soul created by Allaah and His Word.’ So they will go to ‘Eesa but he will say, ‘I am not fit for that. Go to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).’ So they will come to me and I will say, I am fit for that.’ Then I will ask my Lord for permission and He will give me permission, and He will inspire me with words of praise with which I will praise Him, words that I do not know now. So I will praise Him with those words of praise and I will fall down prostrate before Him.

He will say, ‘O Muhammad, raise your head. Speak and intercession will be granted to you, ask and you will be given, intercede and your intercession will be accepted.’ I will say, ‘O Lord, my ummah, my ummah!’ He will say, ‘Go and bring forth everyone in whose heart there is faith the weight of a barley-grain.’ So I will go and do that. Then I will come back and praise Him with those words of praise and I will fall down prostrate before Him. He will say, ‘O Muhammad, raise your head. Speak and intercession will be granted to you, ask and you will be given, intercede and your intercession will be accepted.’ I will say, ‘O Lord, my ummah, my ummah!’ He will say, ‘Go and bring forth everyone in whose heart there is faith the weight of a small ant or a mustard-seed.’ So I will go and do that. Then I will come back and praise Him with those words of praise and I will fall down prostrate before Him. He will say, ‘O Muhammad, raise your head. Speak and intercession will be granted to you, ask and you will be given, intercede and your intercession will be accepted.’ I will say, ‘O Lord, my ummah, my ummah!’ He will say, ‘Go and bring forth from the Fire everyone in whose heart there is faith the weight of the lightest, lightest grain of mustard-seed.’ So I will go and bring them forth.”  [Bukhari]

The prophet’s (S.A.W) greatness was known both to the believers and disbelievers, the kings and slaves. They all couldn’t deny how magnificent his character was and how much he influenced all those around him. A good example of this is the incident of Heraclius and his conversation with Abu Sufyan (before he reverted to Islam).

“Late in the sixth year A.H. on his return from Hudaibiyah, the prophet peace be upon him decided to send messages to the kings beyond Arabia calling them to Islam. In order to authenticate the credentials of his messengers, a silver seal was made in which were engraved the words: ‘Muhammad the Messenger of Allah’. One of the letters was to Heraclius, Emperor of the Byzantines (King of Rome) Dihyah bin Khalifah Al Kalbi was ordered to hand over the letter to the governor of Busra, who would in turn send it to Caesar.

The letter read as follows:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad, the servant of Allah and His Messenger to Heraclius, the king of Byzantines.

Blessed are those who follow true guidance. I invite you to embrace Islam so that you may live in ecurity. If you come within the fold of Islam, Allah will give you double reward, but in case you turn your back upon it, then the burden of all the sins of your people shall fall on your shoulders.

‘Say (O Muhammad peace be upon him): ‘O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah.’ Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’ [Qur’an: 3:64]

Al Bukhari, on the authority of Ibn Abbas peace be upon him narrated that Heraclius sent for Abu Sufyan and his companions, who happened to be trading in Ash-sham (Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan) he came to Iliya Bailtul Maqdis. That was during the truce that had been concluded between  the polytheists of Quraish and Allah’s Messenger peace be upon him. Heraclius, seated among his chiefs of staff, asked, ‘Who amongst you is the nearest relative to the man who claims to be a prophet?’

Abu Sufyan said ‘I replied I am the nearest relative to him and made my companions sit behind me. Then he called upon his translator and said to him, ‘Tell them (i.e. Abu Sufyan’s companions) that I am going to ask him (i.e. Abu Sufyan) regarding that man who claims to be a prophet. So if he tells a lie, they should contradict him instantly. By Allah had I not been afraid that my companions would consider me a liar, I would have told lies,’ Abu Sufyan later said.

Abu Sufyan’s (he was still a disbeliever by then) testimony went as follows: ‘Muhammad descends from a noble family. No one of his family happened to assume kingship. His followers are those considered weak, with numbers ever growing. He neither tells lies nor betrays others, we fight him and he fights us but with alternative victory. He bids people to worship Allah Alone with no associate and abandon our fathers’ beliefs. He orders us to observe prayer, honesty and abstinence and to maintain family ties.’

‘Heraclius, on hearing this testimony, turned to his translator ordering him to communicate to us his impression which revealed full confidence in the truthfulness of Muhammad’s prophethood: ‘I fully realize that prophets come from noble families: he does not have any previous example of prophethood. Since none of his ancestors was a king, we cannot the claim that he is a man trying to reclaim his father’s kingdom. So long as he does not tell lies regarding people, he is for more reason, immune to telling lies as regards Allah. Concerning his followers being those considered weak with numbers ever growing that is the case with faith until it is complete. I have understood that no instance of apostasy has as yet appeared among his followers and this points to the bliss of faith that finds its place in the human heart. Betrayal, as I see, is alien to him because real prophets hold themselves from betrayal. You said he orders worship of Allah with no associates, observance of prayer, honesty and abstinence and prohibition of paganism, if this is true, he will soon rule the place beneath my feet. I have already known that a prophet must arise but it has never occurred to me that he will be an Arab from among you. If I was sure, I would be faithful to him: I might hope to meet him and if I were with him, I would wash his feet.’

Heraclius did not embrace Islam for it was differently ordained. However, the Muslim envoy was returned to Madinah with the felicitations of the emperor.’” [The Sealed Nectar, page 418-421]

To be continued…

P.S I am not a scholar and this is my little effort in spreading the knowledge therefore in case of any mistake/correction/addition needed in this article about the prophet (p.b.u.h) and his life, kindly email me at: info@lubnah.me.ke.

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Assalam aleykum,

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THE GREATNESS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H) [PT. 4]

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You can read part 3 of this series by clicking the link: http://lubnah.me.ke/the-greatness-of-prophet-muhammad-p-b-u-h-pt-3/

HIS WORSHIP

If we knew for sure that we will go to jannah, if we knew for sure that all our sins are forgiven, that Allah (S.W.) is pleased with us and that our place in heaven is ready for us, would we bother to worship Allah? Would we still strive to be better worshippers, better believers? Or would we just relax and wait for our time of death to come?

The prophet (p.b.u.h) was granted forgiveness and promised jannah while still alive, yet he did a lot of ibaadah and got close to Allah (S.W.) more than any other human being.

Even before prophethood, Muhammad (p.b.u.h) would seclude himself so as to worship one Lord and avoid idolatry as his people.

According to Al Bukhari and I quote: “The commencement of the divine inspiration to the Messenger of Allah was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright day light, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed on him. He used to go in seclusion in the Cave of Hira’ where he used to worship [Allah alone] continuously for many days before he would desire to see his family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to [his wife] Khadija to take food for another stay, until suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the Cave of Hira’. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet replied, “I do not know how to read.” The Prophet added, “The angel caught me [forcefully] and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, ‘I do not know how to read.’ So he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, ‘I do not know how to read.’ So he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said: 

Read in the name of your Lord who created (96.1). He created man from a clot (96.2). Read and your Lord is most honorable (96.3) who teaches by the pen (96.4). He taught man what he did not know (96.5).”

The worshipping habits of the Rasul (S.A.W) is definitely something we should emulate and follow. Here are some of his worship habits:

  • Al-Mughirah ibn Shu’bah reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would pray until his feet were swollen. It was said, “Why do you do this when Allah has forgiven your past and future sins?” The Prophet said, “Shall I not be a grateful servant?” (Muslim)

 

  • Narrated ‘Alqama: I asked `Aisha, mother of the believers, “O mother of the believers! How were the deeds of the Prophet? Did he use to do extra deeds of worship on special days?” She said, “No, but his deeds were regular and constant, and who among you is able to do what the Prophet (ﷺ) was able to do (i.e. in worshipping Allah)?” (Bukhari)

 

  • Narrated ‘Aisha: Allah’s Apostle used to offer eleven Rakat and that was his prayer. He used to prolong the prostration to such an extent that one could recite fifty verses (of the Quran) before he would lift his head. He used to pray two Rakat (Sunna) before the Fajr prayer and then used to lie down on his right side till the call-maker came and informed him about the prayer. (Bukhari)

 

  • Narrated Aisha: With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)

 

  • It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Prophet used to bring his head close to me when I was menstruaring and he was in I’tikaf (seclusion in a mosques for the purpose of worship), and I would wash it and comb his hair.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

 

  • Narrated Anas bin Malik: Sometimes Allah’s Apostle would not fast (for so many days) that we thought that he would not fast that month and he sometimes used to fast (for so many days) that we thought he would not leave fasting through-out that month and (as regards his prayer and sleep at night), if you wanted to see him praying at night, you could see him praying and if you wanted to see him sleeping, you could see him sleeping.(Bukhari)

 

  • Narrated ‘Aisha: The Prophet was never more regular and particular in offering any Nawafil than the two Rakat (Sunna) of the Fajr prayer. (Bukhari)

 

  • It was narrated that ‘Aishah said the Messenger of Allah would come and say: “Do you have any food for breakfast?” and we would say no, so he would say: “I am fasting.” One day he came to us and we had been given some Hais. He said: “Do you have anything (to eat)?” and we said: “Yes, we have been given some Hais.” He said: “I started the day wanting to fast,” but then he ate. (Sunan an-Nasa’i)

 

  • Narrated by Abu Huraira:”The Prophet used to perform Itikaf every year in the month of Ramadan for ten days, and when it was the year of his death, he stayed in Itikaf for twenty days.”(Bukhari)

 

  • Aisha mentions that: “The Prophet one night stood up for Salah and he stayed in it for so long that I thought the Prophet had passed away or died. When I felt that way I stood up shook his toe and I felt the movement then I laid down again and I heard the Prophet saying in Sajdah “I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your wrath, and in Your pardon from Your punishment, and in You from You. I cannot enumerate Your praises as You praise Yourself.” (Transliteration: Audhu bi ridaka min sakhatika, wa bi muafatika min uqubatika wa bika minka, la uhsiy thana’an alayka, anta kama athnayta ala nafsika).

When he stood up from the Sajdah he asked Aisha, “do you think God’s Prophet has betrayed you?” Aisha responded “No Prophet of God, because of the long Sajdah I thought you had died.” (Hadith from Baihaqi)

 

PROPHET’S DA’AWAH CONSISTED OF:

  1. Calling to the religion of Islam
  2. Calling to tawheed (Oneness of Allah) and Imaan in Allah (S.W.)
  3. Standing firm to the word of God
  4. Enjoining good and forbidding evil
  5. Showing exemplary manners and good behaviour.

 

STYLES OF DOING DA’AWAH

  1. Individual approaches:

The prophet peace be upon him would talk, discuss and call individuals to Islam at the market, on the way, and at any opportunity he got. It is said that he went to visit Abu Jahl 70 times to call him to the true religion.

  1. Group Da’wah

The prophet peace be upon him would sometimes bring together several people at Jabal Abi Qays and inform them of the word of Allah (S.W)

  1. Making promises:

Promises give us hope of what’s to come and make us anticipate the future and all it holds. The prophet peace be upon him having being known as the honest and truthful one, no one used to doubt his words. Therefore, Muhammad peace be upon him would give glad tidings to encourage people to embrace Islam or to increase their imaan.

“During the Hijra (migration from Makkah to Madina), the Prophet (pbuh) met Abu Bakr at his house, and they both traveled to a nearby cave, the Jabal Thur. When the quraysh realized that the Prophet had evaded them, they were furious. They looked for him everywhere and on all roads; they also offered a reward of 100 she-camels for anybody who would bring them the Prophet, dead or alive.

Motivated by the large reward, one of the best trackers in Mecca, Suraqa Ibn Malik, went riding on his horse looking for the Prophet (pbuh) every which way until he found him. Dressed in his armor and sword, Suraqa attempted to kill the Prophet but as soon as he would approach him, his horse would sink into the sand and not budge. He tried several times and when he realized it was a miracle, he said: “Oh Muhammad I know that your religion will spread and that your stance shall rise. Promise me that when you have the upper hand and are in power you will treat me well. I would like you to give me this promise in writing.”

The Prophet ordered Abu Bakr to give him the promise in writing and asked Suraqa to mislead the enemy away from the Prophets hiding place. The Prophet (pbuh) also said: “How would you feel, O Suraqa, when you wear the bracelets of Kisra (the King of Persia at the time Persia)?” There was only one Kisra and everyone knew who this was, but this statement was so shocking that Suraqa ibn Malik had to clarify again: “Kisra!?” The Prophet (saws) said “Yes, Kisra the son of Hermuz.”

These Bracelets were very famous, the equivalent to the Crown Jewels in our days. They were worn by the Persian Kings, who would simply rest their hands in them as a show of power. For a man who was fleeing persecution and on the brink of assassination, this promise seemed hardly possible. Thereafter; Suraqa retreated, and the Prophet proceeded towards Madinah. This was Hijrah, the emigration – a small distance in space, a mighty leap in history, an event that was to become a threshold in the shaping of the Islamic Ummah.

Several years later, Suraqa converted to the religion of Islam and came to Medinah where the Prophet resided. Years passed, and life went on. It was during the Caliphite of ‘Umar Ibn Al Khattab, Suraqa joined the army which later prevailed over the Persians in the battle of Qadisiyya and the booty was brought to Medinah. Among them, was the crown of Kisra, his clothes sewn out of gold thread, his scarf adorned with precious jewels, and his bracelets like which nobody had ever seen before. ‘Umar shouted: “Where is Suraqa Ibn Malik?” So he came and wore the bracelets of Kisra. He walked around with them proudly, tears flooding from his eyes, saying: “Behold, the honest and the trustworthy Muhammad (pbuh) has told the truth after 20 years. He has kept his promise.” ‘Umar then raised his head to the heavens above and said: “Oh Allah, You did not reward this wealth to your Prophet, and he was closer to You and loved by You more than I, neither did You reward this wealth to Abu Bakr and he was closer to You and loved by You more than I, and You gave it to me. I seek refuge from You in what You have given me and hope that this is not a test from You in which I fail.” [imedbham.webs.com. Reference used: “100 Stories from the Life of ‘Umar Ibn Al Khattab” by Muhammad Sedeeq Al Minshawi]

  1. Having discussions and debates

The prophet used to have stimulating conversations, discussions and debates as a way of teaching and imparting knowledge to both muslims and non-muslims. The prophet (s.a.w) once had a conversation with one of the non-muslims. The prophet asked him how many gods he believed in and the qureishi answered that he believed in six gods. The prophet asked him where the gods were and the qureishi answered that five of the gods were in earth and one is in the heavens. The prophet asked the qureishi which god he depended on most when he had difficulties and the qureishi answered that he depended on the one that is in the heavens. The prophet of Allah thus told him that he should then only worship the God that is in the heavens and leave the rest. This was a way of awakening the qureishi and a way of imparting knowledge such that a person could come to self-realization.

  1. Showing kindness

Kindness is the language that all humankind understands and appreciates. What better way to show how beautiful our religion Islam is than to be kind to the people? Muhammad peace be upon him was the most kind human being and naturally, people were drawn to him for that.

Anas bin Malik, radi Allahu ‘anhu, narrated, “The Messenger of Allah was never asked for a thing by one who may be about to accept Islam, except that he would give it. A man came to the Prophet, who gave him a herd of sheep filling an area between two mountains. When that man returned to his people, he said to them: ‘O my people! Embrace Islam. Muhammad gives, like one who has no fear of poverty.’”

Anas, radi Allahu ‘anhu, said the person initially embraced Islam for the sake of the world, but later Islam became dearer to him than the world and what it contains. (Muslim)

P.S I am not a scholar and this is my little effort in spreading the knowledge therefore in case of any mistake/correction/addition needed in this article about the prophet (p.b.u.h) and his life, kindly email me at: info@lubnah.me.ke.

***

Assalam aleykum,

I hope you are in good health and state of Imaan. A lady by the name of Nuru Salim is suffering from endometriosis which makes it extremely painful for her. She desperately needs an operation in India of which needs about 500,000/= kenyan shillings. We are currently at 41,946/=  and still very far away from the target…but wallahy we can do this. If we all share the message as much as possible and give whatever we can then we can achieve this biidhnillah. Every coin goes a long way and every share of this message will be really helpful. May you be rewarded for any effort you put into this. Ameen.

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THE GREATNESS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H) [PT. 3]

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To read the second part of this series, please click here: http://lubnah.me.ke/the-greatness-of-prophet-muhammad-p-b-u-h-pt-2/

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPHET (P.B.U.H)

The characteristics our prophet had should be a guide for all those taking up the da’awah path which is tough and filled with challenges.

1. He had good behaviour:
As stated earlier from the many examples of the prophet’s good behaviour, we get to see how he was able to affect and draw people into Islam.
Allah (S.W) states in surat Imran verse 159:
“So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah . Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].”
A very good example of his exemplary manners was that there was an old woman who would always throw trash in the way of the prophet peace be upon him just to irritate him. The old woman would do that every day. Then came a day where the prophet didn’t find any trash on his way. He decided to inquire about the old woman and he was told that she was sick. The prophet went to visit her and offer any assistance needed. The old woman was very ashamed and humbled at the same time by the actions of the prophet and his genuine concern. Seeing his compassion, the old woman became convinced that Islam is the true religion and that Muhammad, aleyhi ssalam, is indeed a prophet.

2. He was honest and truthful always:
Abu Dharr reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, will you not appoint me as a leader?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, struck my chest with his hand and he said, “O Abu Dharr, you are weak and it is certainly a position of public trust. Verily, on the Day of Resurrection it will only result in regret except for one who fulfills its rights and discharges its duties.”
In another narration, the Prophet said, “O Abu Dharr, I see you are weak and I love for you what I love for myself. Do not command even two people and do not manage the property of an orphan.” [Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1825]

3. He had patience and forbearance through the worst phases:
‘In the tenth year of prophethood (just after the death of his uncle Abu Talib and his wife Khadijah), the prophet peace be upon him set out on foot towards Taif, about 60 kilometres from Makkah, in the company of his freed slave Zaid ibn Harithah inviting people to Islam. Contrary to his expectations, the general atmosphere was terribly hostile. For ten days he stayed there delivering his message to all of the noble people, one after another, but all to no avail. Stirred up to hasten the departure of the unwelcome visitor, the foolish and their servants hooted him through narrow lanes, pelted him with stones and obliged him to flee from the city pursued by a merciless crowd. Blood flowed down both his legs and Zaid, trying to shield him was wounded in the head. The crowd did not cease until they had chased him two or three miles across the sandy plains to the foot of the surrounding hills. There, tired and exhausted, he took refuge in one of the numerous fruit farms and rested against the wall of a vineyard. He was tired and wounded but confident of the help of his Lord and said this dua:

“Oh Allah! To You alone I complain of my weakness, my insufficient ability and my insignificance before the people. You are the most Merciful of the Mercifuls. You are the Lord of the helpless and the weak. O Lord of mine! Into whose hands would you abandon me: into the hands of an unsympathetic distant relative who would angrily frown at me, or to the enemy who has been given control over my affairs? But if Your Wrath does not fall on me, there is nothing for me to worry about. Your pardon is ample enough for me. I seek protection in the light of Your face, which illuminates the darkness, fixing the affairs in this world as well as in the hereafter. May it never be that I should incur Your wrath, or that You should be wrathful to me. And there is no power nor resource, but Yours alone.” [The Sealed Nectar, page 162-163]

Urwah bin Az’zubair that Aishah narrated to him that she asked the prophet: ‘Have you experienced a worse day than Uhud?’ He answered: ‘Your tribes have troubled me a lot and the worst trouble was the trouble on the day of ‘Aqabah when I presented myself to Ibn ‘Abd Yalil bin ‘Abd Kulal and he did not respond to my demand. So I departed, overwhelmed with excessive sorrow and proceeded on and could not relax till I found myself at Qarn Ath-Tha’alib, where I lifted my head toward the sky to see a cloud shading me unexpectedly. I looked up and saw Gabriel in it. He called me saying, ‘Allah has heard what your people said to you, and their reply to you. Allah has sent the angel of the mountains to you so that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.’ The angel of the mountains called upon me and greeted me, and then said, ‘O Muhammad! Order what you wish, if you like, I will let Al-Akhshabain fall on them.’
The prophet (S.A.W) said, ‘No, I hope that Allah will let them beget children who will worship Allah alone and will worship none besides Him.’ [Sahih Bukhari 1/458, sahih Muslim 2/109]

The Prophet decided to spend a few days in Nakhlah (a place situated between Makkah and Ta’if). His idea was to send someone from there to one of the chiefs of Quraysh so that he might procure ‘security’ for him and then he might enter his birth-place under the protection of some such person.

However, he could not find at Nakhlah anyone who might go to Makkah on his behalf. Later he left Nakhlah for Mount Hira. There he met a Khaza’i Arab and asked him to go to Makkah and speak to Mut’am bin Adi, who was one of the towering personalities of Makkah, for his (i.e. the Prophet’s) ‘security’.
The man went to Makkah and conveyed the message of the Prophet to Mut’am. Although Mut’am was an idol-worshipper he accepted the request of the Prophet and said: “Muhammad should come straight to my house. My sons and I shall protect his life”.

The Prophet entered Makkah at night and went direct to the house of Mut’am and spent the night there. Soon afterwards the Prophet left Makkah for Madina and the beginning of the year of ‘migration’ Mut’am passed away in Makkah. The news of his death reached Madina and the Prophet remembered him for his goodness. After the Battle of Badr, Quraysh were returning to Makkah after having sustained great loss and leaving behind a number of persons, who were captured by the Muslims, the Prophet remembered Mut’am and said: “If Mut’am had been alive and had asked me to release all the captives or to gift them to him, I would not have rejected his request”. [www.al-islam.org, Chapter 23: Journey to Ta`if]

Muhammad, aleyhi ssalam was not only patient but also encouraged and insisted for his companions to do the same.
“Khabbab bin Al-Aratt reported: We complained to the Messenger of Allah regarding the persecution inflicted upon us by the disbelievers while he was lying in the shade of the Ka’bah, having made a pillow of his cloak. We submitted: “Why do you not supplicate for our prevalence (over the opponents)?”. He replied, “Among those people before you, a man would be seized and held in a pit dug for him in the ground and he would be sawed into two halves from his head, and his flesh torn away from his bones with an iron comb; but, in spite of this, he would not wean away from his Faith. By Allah, Allah will bring this matter to its consummation until a rider will travel from San’a’ to Hadramout fearing none except Allah, and except the wolf for his sheep, but you are in too much of a hurry”. [Al-Bukhari].

The Prophet made Duas (supplications) for his people on a regular basis: “O God! Guide my people, for they know not,” he would pray, as he and his followers were tortured, humiliated, scorned and mocked.

4. He was forgiving:
As from the narration in the previous point about his trip to Taif, the prophet had an opportunity to let the people there to perish yet what he did is pray that their children are guided into Islam. This was despite the very bad treatment they gave him and how they injured both him and zaid ibn Harith.
Another instance where he showed his forgiving nature is during the conquest of Makkah where the Muslims were victorious in gaining control of the holy land. The prophet peace be upon him addressed the quraish and said,
‘O you people of Quraish! What do you think of the treatment that I am about to accord to you?’
They replied: ‘O noble brother and son of noble brother! We expect nothing but goodness from you.’
Upon this he said: ‘I speak to you in the same words as Yusuf (the prophet Joseph) spoke unto his brothers. He said: ‘No reproach on you this day,’ [12:92] go your way, for you are freed ones.’ [The Sealed Nectar, page 466-467]

 Qa’b bin Zuhair bin Abi Sulma was a famous poet in Central Arabia during the early years of prophethood. When the prophet peace be upon him conquered Makkah, his brother Bujair reverted to Islam and stayed with the prophet in Madina. Qa’b was disturbed by the news of his brother’s conversion and started composing satirical poems about his brother being a Muslim, insulting the prophet and Islam in general. For this reason, it was ordered that he should be killed wherever and whenever he was found. It should be noted that during that period, poetry was used as a propaganda tool and several poets were slain for insulting the prophet and Islam.
Bujair thereafter wrote a letter to his brother informing him about his impending death if he did not seek peace from the prophet peace be upon him who would never reject anyone’s forgiveness or flee right away.

Terrified by his brother’s letter and with his own tribe members repeating that he will be killed, Qa’b decided it was best to seek peace and protection from the prophet aleyhi ssalam. He therefore went to Madina and found the prophet. He sat face to face with the Prophet, put his hand on top of the Prophet’s hand. The Prophet nor the companions, did not know him in person.

“O Allah’s Apostle, Q’ab bin Zuhair will repent, become a Muslim and he will come to you to ask for your forgiveness and protection. Would you accept to see him, if I bring him to you?”’ The Prophet said, ‘Yes’ then Q’ab added: ‘O Allah’s Apostle, I am Q’ab bin Zuhair.’

A companion of the Prophet from among Ansar (Helpers) grabbed Q’ab and said ‘Allow me, O Allah’s Apostle, allow me and I will severe the head of this enemy of Allah from his body.’ Allah’s Apostle told him: ‘Let him go. For he has come here with repentance and he has rid himself of denial.’

Q’ab, who was rejoiced at being granted the forgiveness of Allah’s Apostle, began to recite his qasidah by the name of Banat Suad (Suad went away, Suad is gone). The poem is one of the most famous poems in Islamic history. The poem itself started with a description of a woman, Suad who had left, a love story as any classic Arabic poem. It is during the quarter last bit of the poem is when Qa’b describes the prophet so magnificently. When he finished his recitation of the qasidah with excitement and a shaky voice, the Prophet stood up with a pleased face and he placed his cloak (burda) on Qa’b back to show appreciation. The poem was thus nicknamed ‘the burda’

(You can find Qa’ab’s full conversion story at ‘newmuslimtube.com’: Seerah of Prophet Muhammad 84 – Conversion of Ka’b ibn Zuhayr ~ Dr. Yasir Qadhi)

Here is part of the poem talking about the prophet aleyhi ssalam:
They say God’s messenger threatens me.
Before the messenger of God
one hopes for pardon.
Go easy,
guided by the one
who gave you the Qur’an
and spelled out its warnings.
Don’t take me at the word
of the lie-smiths.
Though talk of me spreads,
I did no wrong.
If an elephant
stood in my place
and heard
what I hear
It would shake in terror
and stay shaking
until it received the messenger’s grace,
God willing.
{I cut through the empty regions,
my armor the darkness
when the cloak of night
had fallen,}
To put my hand,
not to withdraw it,
in the hand of the vengeful,
whose word is law.
That one was more terrible
when I addressed him
and was questioned
and my lineage examined,
Than a prey-snatcher,
mawler of the lion’s lair,
his den in the belly of cAtham,
ringed with thickets,
That sets out at dawn
to feed twin cubs
with human flesh thrown in the dust,
dismembered.
When he confronts his equal,
he cannot,
by sacred law,
leave him unbroken.
In fear of him the wild ass
starves to the bone,
shunning forage.
Men do not cross his wadi,
Except for the brave and bold one there,
the shreds of his garments
and his weapons about him,
carrion for beasts of prey.
The messenger is a sword
lighting the way,
forged in India,
a sword of God, unsheathed. (The most famous line of the poem)
Among a band of Quraysh
someone spoke,
in the belly of Mecca
when they gave themselves-away!
They left, and left behind
arrows with broken heads,
the weak in battle,
the leaners, the unarmed.
Eagle-nosed vanquishers
clothed in Davidian weave,
through the dust of war
their chain-mail
Brilliant, streaming
in double arrays of coils
like the branches of the shrivel-vetch,
coil on doubled, twisted coil.
They side like white camels
protected by a hard blow
when the enemy, stunted, dark-faced,
run away.
They don’t parade their satisfaction
when their spears strike home,
nor do they cut and run
when they take the blow.
Spear thrusts land
at their throats.
At the pool of death
they have no plans to flee.

[Source: Banat Su ‘ ad: Translation and Interpretive Introduction. Michael Anthony Sells. Haverford College. 1990]

5. He was wise, mindful and compassionate:
Abu Umamah reported: A young man came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he said, “O Messenger of Allah, give me permission to commit adultery.” The people turned to rebuke him, saying, “Quiet! Quiet!” The Prophet said, “Come here.” The young man came close and he told him to sit down. The Prophet said, “Would you like that for your mother?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you. People would not like it for their mothers.” The Prophet said, “Would you like that for your daughter?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you. People would not like it for their daughters.” The Prophet said, “Would you like that for your sister?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you. People would not like it for their sisters.” The Prophet said, “Would you like that for your aunts?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you. People would not like it for their aunts.” The Prophet placed his hand on him and he said, “O Allah, forgive his sins, purify his heart, and guard his chastity.” After that, the young man never again turned to anything sinful.
In another narration, the Prophet said to him, “Then hate what Allah has hated, and love for your brother what you love for yourself.” [Musnad Aḥmad 21708]

6. He was very humble
The prophet peace be upon him was so humble such that when any visitor would come upon him and the sahaba, they wouldn’t know who is the prophet until they ask, ‘Who amongst you is Muhammad?’ This is because lived a very simple life and mingled and ate with all his companions without regarding himself better or of a higher status than them.
During the building of the prophetic mosque in Madina, the prophet peace be upon him, contributed to building the mosque by carrying adobe bricks and stones together with the Muhajirun and Ansar. Through his actions that day, he taught his people enduring lessons on equality, companionship, and respect.

In another narration, the prophet peace be upon him said, “I eat as a slave eats, and I sit as a slave sits. Since indeed I am a slave. [Sahih: Related by Ibn Sa’ad in At-Tabaqat (1/371) and Shaykh Al-Albani authenticated it in Sahih al-Jami’ (no. 8).]

Again, he said, “Do not over praise me as the Christians over-praised ‘Isa son of Maryam. Indeed, I am only a slave. So call me the Slave of Allah and His Messenger. [Related by Al-Bukhari (6/345]

7. He was informed
The prophet peace be upon him, despite his inability to read and write and with even less experience of traveling around the world, he was informed and knew what was happening around him. It is for this that during the fifth year of prophethood and after a lot of suffering and torture, the prophet advised the sahabas to migrate to Abyssinia (Ethiopia).

‘The prophet peace be upon him knew that Ashamah, who held the title of Negus, king of Abyssinia was a fair ruler who would not wrong any of his subordinates. So he permitted some of his followers to seek asylum there in Abyssinia. In Rajab of the fifth year of prophethood, a group of twelve men and four women left for Abyssinia. Among the emigrants were ‘uthman bin Affan and his wife Ruqayya bint Rasulillah (peace be upon them)

To be continued…

P.S I am not a scholar and this is my little effort in spreading the knowledge therefore in case of any mistake/correction/addition needed in this article about the prophet (p.b.u.h) and his life, kindly email me at: info@lubnah.me.ke.

***

Assalam aleykum everyone,

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THE GREATNESS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H) [PT. 1]

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In his book ‘100 most influential persons in history’, Michael Hart ranked Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as number one:

“My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.

Of humble origins, Muhammad founded and promulgated one of the world’s great religions, and became an immensely effective political leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive.

The majority of the persons in this book had the advantage of being born and raised in centers of civilization, highly cultured or politically pivotal nations. Muhammad, however, was born in the year 570, in the city of Mecca, in southern Arabia, at that time a backward area of the world, far from the centers of trade, art, and learning. Orphaned at age six, he was reared in modest surroundings. Islamic tradition tells us that he was illiterate. His economic position improved when, at age twenty-five, he married a wealthy widow. Nevertheless, as he approached forty, there was little outward indication that he was a remarkable person…” A RANKING OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS IN HISTORY by Michael H. Hart.

This may be a surprise to the non-Muslims of today but even during the pre-Islamic period and before prophethood, Muhammad peace be upon him was known for his exemplary behavior and outstanding dealings with other human beings. He was nicknamed ‘Assadiqul ameen’ to mean ‘Honest and Trustworthy’ and he was distinguished among his people for his modesty, gentleness, virtuous and graceful manners and his extreme kindness.

“He was an exemplary man of weighty mind and faultless insight. He was favoured with intelligence, originality of thought and accurate choice of the means leading to accurate choice of the means leading to accurate goals. His long silence helped favourably in his habit of meditation and deep investigation into the truth. His vivid mind and pure nature were helpfully instrumental in assimilating and comprehending ways of life and people, individual and community wise. He shunned superstitious practices but took an active part in constructive and useful dealings; otherwise, he would have taken a route to his self-adopted seclusion. He kept himself aloof from drinking wine, eating meat slaughtered on stone altars, or attending idolatrous festivals. He held the idols in extreme aversion and disgust. He could never tolerate someone swearing by Al-Lat and Al-Uzza.” (The Sealed Nectar by Safi-ur-Rahman, page 81)

It is said that during a conversation with Muhammad aleyhi ssalam, Bahirah, the monk in Syria swore, ‘Bi Llata wal Uzza’ since this was the common swearing of the people in Makkah and Muhammad peace be upon him immediately expressed his detest by such swearing.

It is clear that Allah (S.W) protected him and detached his heart from evil practices even before his prophethood.

Al Bukhari reported on the authority of Jabir bin Abdullah peace be upon him that he said: ‘While the people were re-building Al-kaabah, the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) went with ‘Abbas to carry some stones. ‘Abbas said: ‘Put your loincloth round your neck to protect you from the stones.’ (As he did that) the prophet fell to the ground and his eyes turned skyward. Later on, he woke up and shouted: ‘My loincloth…my loincloth.’ He wrapped himself in his loincloth.” (Sahih Al Bukhari. Chapter: The building of Al-Ka’bah, 1/540.)

In another instance where Allah (S.W) protected Muhammad (S.A.W) is a hadith reported by Ibn Al-Athir who reported Muhammad as saying: “I have never tried to do anything the people of ignorance did except for two times. Every time Allah intervened and checked me from doing so and I never did that again. Once I told my fellow shepherd to take care of my sheep when we were in the upper part of Makkah. I wanted to go down to Makkah and entertain myself as the young men did. I went down to the first to the first house in Makkah where I heard music. I entered and asked: ‘what is this?’ Someone answered: ‘It is a wedding party.’ I sat down and listened but soon went into a deep sleep. I was awakened by the heat of sun. I went back to my fellow-shepherd and told him what happened to me. I never tried it again.” (There is a disagreement over the authenticity of this hadith. Al-Hakim said that it was authentic but Adh-dhahabi graded it weak, as did Ibn Kathir in Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah.)

Even after his first revelation at the cave and fear had engulfed him, his wife Khadijah peace be upon her tried to soothe and reassure him by saying: ‘Allah will never disgrace you. You unite uterine relations; you bear the burden of the weak; you help the poor and the needy, you entertain the guests and endure hardships in the path of truthfulness.’

Muhammad, peace be upon him was known for his love and mercy for children, for his relatives, neighbours…you name it! Michael Hart, the author of 100 most influential persons in history, as mentioned earlier stated how the prophet p.b.u.h was very well successful in both the secular and religious life. We as human beings struggle to bring a balance to anything in our lives. When we work, we miss out on spending valuable time with our family. When we spend valuable amount of time with our family, we reduce the amount of worship we do. When we focus on worshipping and family, our work is affected. How great then is the prophet p.b.u.h to have established such a strong and powerful religion while he still had the time to help his wives in cooking and other house chores? To have been able to win in all sectors from leadership to being a role model of the youth, to being a teacher, to being a strategic warrior at the war zone, to being a great father and husband? Isn’t this reason enough for the non-Muslims to believe in his prophethood, of how much we should follow his footsteps and emulate and love him?

  • Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), was asked, “What did the Prophet (ﷺ) use to do in his house?” She replied, “He used to keep himself busy serving his family (كَانَ يَكُونُ فِي مِهْنَةِ أَهْلِهِ) and when it was the time for prayer he would go for it.” (Bukhari)

In another report Aisha is reported to have said, “He did what one of you would do in his house. He mended sandals and patched garments and sewed.” (Adab Al-Mufrad graded sahih by Al-Albani)

In yet another report it is said that she said, “He milked his goat.” (Ahmad)

He also said, “The best of you is the one who is best to his wife, and I am the best of you to my wives.” (Tirmidhi; Ibn Majah)

The prophet peace be upon him would always enter upon his wives smiling and happy, looking neat and a siwak in his mouth. He never bet any of his wives or even the slaves. Every morning after fajr prayers, he would sit at the same place worshipping until sunrise. He would then go to each of his nine wives to greet them and would make a dua for them. In another narration by Aisha, the prophet would make the visits during evening hours. During every dinner, he would bring all his wives together and eat with them. He was kind, merciful and loving to his wives and even loyal to his deceased first wife Khadijah bint Khuweylid.

The prophet peace be upon him married Khadijah bint Khuweylid, who was a successful business woman, when she was 40 years while he was just 25 years old. Yet she supported the prophet and believed in him when no one did. The prophet thus never forgot her ihsan (beneficence) to him and forever held her in very high esteem.

  • It had been related by Abu Huraira that on one occasion, when Khadijah was still alive, Jibreel AS came to the Prophet SAW and said, “O Messenger of Allah, Khadijah is just coming with a bowl of soup (or food or drink) for you. When she comes to you, give her greetings of peace from her Lord and from me, and give her the good news of a palace of jewels in the Garden, where there will be neither any noise nor any tiredness.” It was also narrated by Ali (RA) that he heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying “Mary, the daughter of Imran, was the best among the women (of the world of her time) and Khadijah is the best amongst the women (of this nation).” (Sahih Al-Bukhari 58:164)That was how special Khadijah peace be upon her was and the prophet never stopped appreciating her.

 

  • Aisha reported: “I never felt so jealous about any woman as I did for Khadija, although she had died three years before I married the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. That was because I heard him mentioning her so often and because his Lord has ordered him to give her glad tidings that she would have a palace in Paradise made of reeds; and also because the Prophet would slaughter a sheep and distribute its meat among her friends.” [Source: Sahih Bukhari 5658]

 

  • Muhammad said about her “She believed in me when the whole world refuted me and she attested to my veracity when the whole world accused me of falsehood. She offered me compassion and loyalty with her wealth when everyone else had forsaken me.”

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him showed great understanding to his wives and not just them but with everyone else. One important matter he understood was of the jealousy that would naturally occur between any co-wives. As such, he was always merciful and compassionate to each one of them and treated them in a special way.

  • Al-Bukhaari (5225) narrated that Anas said: “The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was with one of his wives, when one of the Mothers of the Believers sent a bowl in which there was some food. The one in whose house the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was struck the hand of the servant, and the bowl fell and broke. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) picked up the pieces of the bowl, then he began to collect the food that was in it, and said, “Your mother got jealous.” Then he made the servant wait until the bowl belonging to the one in whose house he was, was brought. He gave the intact bowl to the one whose bowl had been broken, and he kept the broken bowl in the house of the one who had broken it.” It is believed the wife mentioned for getting jealous was Aishah peace be upon her.

Even in times of conflict and misunderstandings, his wives felt safest with him, with surety that he would never harm them.

  • Nu’man ibn Bashirradiallahu ‘anhusaid: That Abu Bakr sought permission to enter the Prophet’s apartment. In the meantime he heard ‘A’ishah speaking in a louder voice that the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. When Abu Bakr entered the apartment, he caught ‘A’ishah and said, “Beware! From now on I should never see you speaking thus.” He wanted to slap her. The Prophet held Abu Bakr by the waist and thus saved ‘A’ishah. Abu Bakr went out angrily. When Abu Bakr had gone, the Prophet said to ‘A’ishah, “Well, how did I save you from the man.” After a few days absence Abu Bakr again sought permission, and saw that both the Prophet and ‘A’ishah were at peace. Then he said, “Let me enter in your peace as I had entered in your dispute.” The Prophet said, “We do so, we do so.” [Al-Bidayah, vol. VI, p. 46]

In another instance, the prophet peace be upon kneeled down and asked his wife Safiyyah to step on his lap to climb on the camel.

The prophet peace be upon him would also have casual conversations with his wives and he would listen without interrupting or saying he had better things to do. A good example of this is a narration by Aisha (Radi Allahu anha):

  • “Eleven women sat (at a place) and promised and contracted that they would not conceal anything of the news of their husbands.

The first one said, “My husband is like the meat of a lean weak camel which is kept on the top of a mountain which is neither easy to climb, nor is the meat fat, so that one might put up with the trouble of fetching it.”

The second one said, “I shall not relate my husband’s news, for I fear that I may not be able to finish his story, for if I describe him, I will mention all his defects and bad traits.”

The third one said, “My husband is a tall man; if I describe him (and he hears of that) he will divorce me, and if I keep quiet, he will neither divorce me nor treat me as a wife.”

The fourth one said, “My husband is a moderate person like the night of Tihama which is neither hot nor cold. I am neither afraid of him, nor am I discontented with him.”

The fifth one said, “My husband, when entering (the house) is a leopard, and when going out, is a lion. He does not ask about whatever is in the house.”

The sixth one said, “If my husband eats. he eats too much (leaving the dishes empty), and if he drinks he leaves nothing, and if he sleeps he sleeps alone (away from me) covered in garments and does not stretch his hands here and there so as to know how I fare (get along).”

The seventh one said, “My husband is a wrong-doer or weak and foolish. All the defects are present in him. He may injure your head or your body or may do both.”

The eighth one said, “My husband is soft to touch like a rabbit and smells like a Zarnab (a kind of good smelling grass).”

The ninth one said, “My husband is a tall generous man wearing a long strap for carrying his sword. His ashes are abundant and his house is near to the people who would easily consult him.”

The tenth one said, “My husband is Malik, and what is Malik? Malik is greater than whatever I say about him. (He is beyond and above all praises which can come to my mind). Most of his camels are kept at home (ready to be slaughtered for the guests) and only a few are taken to the pastures. When the camels hear the sound of the lute (or the tambourine) they realize that they are going to be slaughtered for the guests.”

The eleventh one said, “My husband is Abu Zar and what is Abu Zara (i.e., what should I say about him)? He has given me many ornaments and my ears are heavily loaded with them and my arms have become fat (i.e., I have become fat). And he has pleased me, and I have become so happy that I feel proud of myself. He found me with my family who were mere owners of sheep and living in poverty, and brought me to a respected family having horses and camels and threshing and purifying grain . Whatever I say, he does not rebuke or insult me. When I sleep, I sleep till late in the morning, and when I drink water (or milk), I drink my fill. The mother of Abu Zara and what may one say in praise of the mother of Abu Zara’? Her saddle bags were always full of provision and her house was spacious. As for the son of Abu Zar, what may one say of the son of Abu Zar? His bed is as narrow as an unsheathed sword and an arm of a kid (of four months) satisfies his hunger. As for the daughter of Abu Zar, she is obedient to her father and to her mother. She has a fat well-built body and that arouses the jealousy of her husband’s other wife. As for the (maid) slave girl of Abu Zar, what may one say of the (maid) slavegirl of Abu Zar? She does not uncover our secrets but keeps them, and does not waste our provisions and does not leave the rubbish scattered everywhere in our house.”

The eleventh lady added, “One day it so happened that Abu Zar went out at the time when the milk was being milked from the animals, and he saw a woman who had two sons like two leopards playing with her two breasts. (On seeing her) he divorced me and married her. Thereafter I married a noble man who used to ride a fast tireless horse and keep a spear in his hand. He gave me many things, and also a pair of every kind of livestock and said, ‘Eat (of this), O Um Zar, and give provision to your relatives.” She added, “Yet, all those things which my second husband gave me could not fill the smallest utensil of Abu Zar’s.” ‘Aisha then said: Allah’s Apostle said to me, “I am to you as Abu Zar was to his wife Um Zara.” [Al-Bukhari (5189), Muslim(244)]

To be continued….please stay tuned 🙂

Please share the post and earn rewards from it biidhnillah.

P.S I am not a scholar and this is my little effort in spreading the knowledge therefore in case of any mistake/correction/addition needed in this article about the prophet (p.b.u.h) and his life, kindly email me at: info@lubnah.me.ke.

***

Assalam aleykum everyone,

Kindly there is a sister who needs our help and is in critical condition. She has a disorder called endometriosis, which causes extreme pain when she is in her monthly periods. She has tried going to many hospitals in Kenya and in Tanzania but no hospital has helped. She was told to go to India and the cost is 500,000/= and it is a lot for her. She has to go by the end of this month. She is currently in pain and she does not have to delay for the operation or else she will reach a point where she cant sit, stand or even sleep.

We are currently at 22,600/= with the fundraising. Please let’s all join hands and assist her with whatever small we can afford. Every coin goes a long way.

To contribute Mpesa: 0700892829

Kindly do share this message and remember her in your duas.

May Allah bless you all and easen all your battles. Ameen.

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Creative Non-Fiction

LEAVE THE SKELETONS WHERE THEY BELONG

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Back in university one of the ladies in our lot got pregnant in the middle of the semester. Or at least that’s when her belly started revealing. The lady was very quiet and reserved. She wasn’t a Muslim but she always seemed decent. Soon as her pregnancy became vivid, some of my mates started saying, ‘See she was acting all innocent but now she’s been exposed.’ I thought about it to myself for a moment and I said, ‘But that’s not fair.’ I mean, for the years that I knew the lady there was no single day she declared herself ‘innocent’ nor was there any day that I saw her pointing fingers and slandering others for their wrongdoings. There was no day that she acted or even spoke like she was ‘holier than thou’. How was it really fair to slander someone when they slip just because they weren’t openly showing their horns or posting it up on social media for the whole world to see?

See, wrong is wrong however we try to sugarcoat it. But there’s always more to the story. The world we live in at the moment is the kind that expects you to put up your dirty laundry outside on broad daylight in the name of ‘I am being myself. At least I don’t pretend.’

I once had a conversation with a lady who was talking about her personal situation and some sort of scheme she was plotting. Okay, no judgement whatsoever. But then the conversation rolled on to a point where she said, ‘Hawa wakimya ndio nawaheshimu. Utaona hakuna innocent kama wao then just one day they shock you to the peak with their actions.’

I mean, where did this mentality come from? That one should either be openly sinning and making mistakes or be the perfect angel as we see you. Where was it written that exposing your mistakes makes you any better than the one who doesn’t? Or that the one who doesn’t is a hypocrite? Isn’t it silly that we consider the reserved, seemingly pious people to be 120% right, 360 degrees all round perfect?! Like ‘Oh my God, he is PERRR-VECT, nur ala nur 😀

Really bro?!

We see it all the time. With sheikhs, famous people and colleagues. Someone does a mistake that is exposed and poof! Everyone has a reaction and an opinion and we just blow it completely out of proportion because ‘they were hypocrites all along’. That same thing, if it were to be done by anyone else we would go on with our lives like nothing happened. But hey! this is so and so…we have to break the internet about it.

We come out each day showing people our displeasing actions because we want people to see us for who we are and accept us as is. But in the process of doing that, we unveil any sense of shame left within us because the moment someone approaches us to humbly correct us we are so quick to say, ‘Don’t judge me’ or ‘You shouldn’t judge me.’ The same goes to those who openly reveal the good that they do and slander everyone else who isn’t like what they perceive themselves.

Truth is that there is no angel. There is no one who can look back and confidently say, ‘I am perfect or sinless’. We are all struggling with something, whether it is visible or not, we are. Even the best of sheikhs and the people we consider our role models. We all have skeletons hidden in our wardrobe and chapters of our lives we don’t read out loud. There are people we have harmed or caused pain, whether intentionally or not, we have. So the next time a certain sheikh or role model does a mistake and the internet family actively discuss about him/her, remember that they too are human beings. They wrong just as you do. The mistakes or sins may be different but they are still there. And just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean you should forget that they too have flaws and weaknesses and things they are not proud of.

Fair enough, you’d probably be disappointed because you looked up to them but never allow that to overshadow your judgment on who can or can’t sin and who should/shouldn’t be forgiven.

Most importantly, don’t let the current world push you to exposing your sins in the fear of people having overly high expectations on you. You being ashamed about your mistakes and sins is the first step to repentance. Or how else do you expect to sincerely repent after posting it on your social media page with your sparkling smile as you sin?!

Abu Hurayrah (radi Allahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “Every one of my followers will be forgiven except those who expose (openly) their wrongdoings. An example of this is that of a man who commits a sin at night which Allah has covered for him, and in the morning, he would say (to people): ‘I committed such and such sin last night’ while Allah had kept it a secret. During the night Allah has covered it up but in the morning he tears up the cover provided by Allah Himself.” [Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]

There is a famous story of the sahabi Nuayman ‘ibn Amr Al-Ansari RA who was known to have issues with alcohol. Despite knowing the ruling of Islam towards the intoxicating drink, Nuayman RA struggled with breaking his addiction, and was flogged twice for drinking. Upon the second flogging, ‘Umar RA who was angered by Nuayman’s RA behaviour quipped, “La ‘nat Allah alayhi – may God’s curse be on him”. The Prophet Muhammad (S), upon hearing this, was quick to intervene, “No, no, don’t do (such a thing). Indeed he loves God and His Apostle. The major sin (as this) does not put one outside the community and the mercy of God is close to the believers.” Watch the full story on Nuayman here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TCCzKs3-bo

The reason I shared his story is because it should be a reminder that even the sahabis did sin and mistakes too yet that didn’t make them to be regarded any less than the believers they were. The difference with us is how much they really regretted their acts and most importantly, how the prophet treated the believers who sinned; without despising them or shunning them off.

Once a young man came to the Prophet ﷺ requesting from the Prophet to grant this man permission to have sex outside of marriage. The people were shocked and were trying to silence his question. The Prophet ﷺ asked him a series of questions. “Would you like it for your mom?” He ﷺ continued to ask if this man would like it for his daughter, sister or other female relatives. The man continually responded in the negative, intellectually convinced by the logical argument of the Prophet ﷺ. Finally, the Prophet placed his blessed hand on the man and prayed to God, “Dear God! May you forgive his sins, purify his heart and make him chaste.” And it is narrated that this man never got involved in what he was requesting after this experience with the Prophet.

Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man kissed a woman. So he came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and informed him about it. Then Allah revealed this Ayah: “And perform the Salat, between the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night. Verily, the good deeds efface the evil deeds (i.e., minor sins).” (11:114) The man asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) whether this applies to him only. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “It applies to all of my Ummah.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Now imagine if these situations happened today and the people involved were maybe known to be pious or God-fearing; how would we react then?! How would we respond to them? Wouldn’t we be the first ones to label them as hypocrites and a disgrace to the Muslim community? Wouldn’t it be a big scandal that we’d talk about for days on?! The prophet p.b.u.h corrected them and prayed for them instead. We should also keep in mind that we’d never know how much a person regrets their actions, feels extremely guilty and cries for repentance every night. Be merciful upon others just like you’d want others to be with you if you were in the same position. Never say ‘I’d never do that or say that’ because honestly, life is the scariest thing to be too sure about. Tables turn every.single.day.

This of course isn’t a justification for anyone’s wrongdoings. Nor should it be an excuse and an easy gateway for people to sin secretly in the hope that Allah (S.W) will cover our tracks. Also, this differs according to the sin/mistake in hand. Cases like rape, sodomy, molestation, harassment, murder or any other grave sin may need a call for justice upon the doer so as to protect others from him/her or to remove them from a certain position.

Allah (S.W) surely knows what is in our hearts and what we struggle with to change and our intentions behind all our actions. Don’t expose your sins but also try with all your being to keep away from them.

Ibn al-Qayyim Rahimahu Llah said : ‘Know that if people are impressed with you, they are impressed with the beauty of Allah’s covering of your sins.’

Thank Allah (S.W) when He protects the world from seeing the darkness within you. Thank Allah when He guides you. Thank Allah when He grants you a chance to sincerely repent.

May Allah (S.W) protect us from the whispering of shaitan and from our own nafs and guide us together with all our loved ones. Ameen.

P.S Leave the skeletons where they belong; in the wardrobe (not literally, but you get me right? )

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